Hartford, Wisconsin gas leak forces evacuations on Branch Street

Construction equipment struck a natural gas line on Branch Street near Grand Avenue in Hartford, Wisconsin, at about 7:45 a.m. on August 5, 2026. The leak released pressurized natural gas, prompting Hartford Fire & Rescue and the Hartford Police Department to close nearby roads and evacuate homes and businesses on Branch Street between East Loos Street and East Washington Avenue, as well as several properties on Grand Avenue and East Rogers Street. Residents outside the immediate zone were asked to shelter in place.

WE Energies crews arrived after the evacuations, shut off the two‑inch underground supply line, and used combustible‑gas meters to check nearby homes. After confirming the area was safe, officials gave an all‑clear and allowed residents to return just before 9 a.m. WE Energies remained on scene to repair the line and continue monitoring. No civilians or emergency personnel were injured.